Short Stories. Put yourself in the mood for a very merry Christmas with this collection of sensual holiday tales. In Lori Foster's "The Christmas Present," Beth Monroe gets even with her unfaithful fiancé by sleeping with his best friend--again and again. Karen Kelly's "It's a Wonderful Life" features Hollywood actor Jeremy Hunter, who visits a small Texas town and falls for teacher Bailey Tanner. In the last story, Dianne Castell's "Home for Christmas," pregnant LuLu Cahill returns home to O'Fallon's Landing, where she crosses paths with jilted groom Sebastian Moore. Let the holiday season begin!

Paranormal Romance. "She stood naked at the window, aware of her lover’s deep, even breathing coming from the bed behind her." So begins author Brenda Joyce's 2nd steamy book in the Masters of Time series (after Dark Seduction). Black Royce, a Highlands warrior, has been sent through time to New York City to protect heiress Allie Monroe, a secret Healer, from those who want her powers for themselves. The two share a deep attraction, but when Royce is murdered, Allie must go back in time to the 15th century to save him from his fate. Featuring well-developed secondary characters and numerous love scenes, Dark Rival won't disappoint Brenda Joyce's many fans.

Contemporary Romance. Real estate attorney Molly Gifford's father has just been accused of murder, and the one criminal lawyer who can get him out of jail also happens to be the lover whom she ditched a year before, Daniel Hunter. With no other options, Molly arrives on Daniel's doorstep and begs for his help; against his better judgment, Daniel agrees to take on the case. As the former sweethearts try to figure out who the real murderer is, they start to get that old familiar feeling. Readers who like romances with mystery subplots will enjoy this tale of a second chance at love.

Historical Romance. Legendary author Kathleen Woodiwiss, who launched the historical romance genre with the 1972 publication of The Flame and The Flower, passed away on July 6, 2007, but before she died, she completed one last love story, Everlasting. In medieval England, Lady Abrielle is forced to accept the hand of Desmond de Marlé, a cruel squire, after her stepfather is denied his rightful title and wealth. But before she can wed Desmond, Abrielle meets Raven Seabern, a Scottish ambassador, at a royal banquet--and the spark between them is unmistakable. Don't miss this final masterful tale from Woodiwiss, the "First Lady of Romance."

Historical Romance. Jonathan Effington, the dashing marquess of Helmsley, has a habit of having trysts with beautiful women at the annual Christmas Ball. Fiona Fairchild is in desperate need of a husband--preferably one of her own choosing--if she's going to collect her inheritance and save her sisters. After Jonathan selects a woman at this year's ball, he is stunned when Fiona substitutes herself for his object of interest--and even more shocked when she proposes marriage. Publishers Weekly says this rollicking, Victorian-era story is "the perfect holiday read."

Short Stories. In this anthology of five Regency Christmas tales, award-winning author Mary Balogh presents four classic stories as well as one new novella. The quartet of classics includes "The Star of Bethlehem," "The Best Gift," "Playing House," and "No Room At the Inn." The new story, "A Family Christmas," features a couple who realize that their troubles stem from a misunderstanding about their relationship. Each story is heartwarming and tender; check out Under the Mistletoe and make your holidays even brighter.

Historical Romance. In 1763 England, adventuress Genova Smith travels to Rothgar Abbey for a Christmas house party, but she doesn't arrive alone. She brings with her an abandoned baby, whom she believes to be the offspring of the Marquess of Ashart, whose cousin (and enemy) is hosting the fête. When Genova and Ash, who refuses to claim the infant, are caught in a compromising situation, they agree to a faux betrothal. In the midst of it all, they must solve the mystery of the baby's parentage and Ash and his cousin must reconcile their tense relationship. Featuring a lively cast and excellent characterization, Winter Fire is the 7th in the Malloren series, after Devilish.

Short Stories. If the holiday rat race has left you short on time, grab this collection of Christmas novellas--each perfect for completing in one sitting--from three of romance's biggest stars. In Jennifer Crusie's "Hot Toy," Trudy Maxwell goes out shopping on Christmas Eve in search of the hottest toy of the season--but instead she runs into the CIA, Chinese spies, and the lit professor who dumped her after three dates. Lori Foster's "Christmas Bonus" is for anyone who has ever dreamed of beginning a hot-and-heavy office romance with a tantalizing coworker. And last but not least, Carly Phillips' "Naughty Under the Mistletoe" features a lawyer who plans to seduce her boss--but ends up kissing his twin brother by mistake.

Short Stories. Accompanied by recipes for several delectable confections, these holiday tales will have you donning your apron as you flip the pages. Fern Michaels' "The Christmas Stocking" stars Amy Baran and Guss Moss, who discover an unlikely attraction while at Gus' Virginia farm. In Beverly Barton's "The Ghost of Christmas Past," two strangers get snowed in during a Christmas Eve blizzard. The third story, Joanne Fluke's "The Twelve Desserts of Christmas," details how two love-struck teachers manage to warm up the holidays. In Shirley Jump's "Twelve Days," Natalie Harris draws the name of hunky Jake Lyons for her office Secret Santa pal. 'Tis the season to be jolly--pick up Sugar and Spice and sweeten your holiday season.